Oklahoma Historical Society

PROJECT PURPOSE

ARPA-FTT-2101 - Parking / Trails / Roads - Fort Towson was established in 1824 to quell conflicts between American Indian peoples and settlers claiming the area as part of Arkansas Territory. The fort also served to control outlaw activity in the area and stood as the outpost on the border between the United States and Mexico. During the Civil War it served as headquarters for Confederate forces operating in Indian Territory. The site has a modern new visitor center, but improvements are needed to the entrance road and drive, and the gravel parking lot for the visitor center needs to be surfaced for ADA accessibility. The site also needs improvement to the trails connecting the historic ruins and buildings as well as interpretive signage for the trails. The project also includes repairs to the perimeter fence, canon pavilion and gates to protect the site.

EVIDENCE

Our projects utilize local or regional contractors to perform the work and draw local, state and national visitation to the area thus boosting the local economy from construction activities and tourism for the area and state.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The communities and local businesses around this site were impacted by the state shutdown and the decline of tourism as a result of the COVID pandemic. The local communities, municipalities and businesses lost revenue from sales, lodging, taxes and other tourism related benefits. This project benefits everyone by employing local businesses to create or improve local attractions and facilities to improve local tourism and community programing. The main economic drivers in Choctaw County are agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, transportation/warehousing, and tourism. The county population s 14, 204. The small community of Fort Towson has a population of 528. The median income if $34,489, and 23% of the population live in poverty. Unemployment is 4.1%. 63% of the population identifies as white; 18% American Indian; 10% Black/American Indian, and 5% Hispanic or Latino. 82% of the adult population has a high school diploma, and 13% have earned a bachelor degree or higher.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be measured by visitation statistics with our current monthly statistical tracking system and tracking earned income at the site.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma